This past week we took a few days off and took the kids up to camp at Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, which is located in the Scotch Creek area of Northern Shuswap. It was the first time we have camped at this park, and it’s been years since I have visited the lake. The Park was well maintained with clean adequate washroom facilities, and all the spots were spacious with ample privacy.

The camping fees were reasonable at $32 a night.  The Trip up was about 5 hours, we made a stop at exit 183 to visit the Othello Tunnels, however crews were doing some blasting and there was a 20 minute delay so we decided to continue onwards. We stopped at the rest top near the Coquihalla Summit, and then again in Merritt to pick up some items we had forgotten.

We made it to our site by 1:30pm, and were set up and ready to explore by 2:30pm. We did a walk around the park to check out the beach amphitheater, and other amenities. Around 8pm a couple of deer came out of the woods across from our site, which thrilled the kids. After a long day of travel and set up it was an early night for all, but not before enjoying a few s’mores. That’s right, despite the campfire ban we were able to bring out our Outland Propane Fire pit and still enjoy a few s’mores.

The next morning we headed down to the nature house to find out what was happening at the amphitheater, however it was closed until Friday . We made our way back to camp and got ready for a day at the beach. It was 24-25 Celsius, thankfully there was a nice breeze making it bearable, because the beach area didn’t offer a lot of shade. Later that evening the kids kept busy building a teepee fort.

Campground fun

Friday was overcast and it rained  for about 5 minutes at the most. After breakfast we took a walk along the nature trail, and spotted our deer friends from the previous night. The trail ended at the nature house where we were able to get more information about the visitor programs available.

• 10am-12pm        Nature walk and Scavenger hunt
• 12:30pm-3pm    T-shirt painting $15 a shirt
• 3-5pm                   Outdoor learning activity
• 6:30pm                 interpretive program at the amphitheater

None of these programs interested the kids  so we spend the day at the site, reading, fort building, target shooting, and relaxing. Friday night was more s’mores, complete with spooky campfire stories for the kids.

Saturday was a beautiful sunny day, we had plans to complete a hike to the Albas Falls, however I grossly underestimated the length of time it would take to navigate the service road, and my nerves, 8km up the service road we  turned around and headed back to camp. All was not lost we spend a lovely afternoon at the beach soaking up some hot summer sun, and enjoying the water.

Beach fun

All in all it was a typical family holiday, complete with a long drive home.

As a child my parents took me camping every summer, for many years it was to Deception Pass State Park in Washington. These trips taught me so much; a respect and admiration for the beauty and wonders of nature, independence, exploration, and a love for the outdoors. These trips also provided me with fond memories, feelings of happiness, laughter, warmth, and love; making them powerful and everlasting memories.

Camping with kids is not easy, and although they might not understand or appreciate it now, my hope is that one day the kids will look back and at our annual camping trips, as I do mine, and treasure those special family moments.